Blood bank network to be digitized: Government

New Delhi: Government will explore the possibility of establishing a mechanism where people can check online the availability of required blood groups in blood banks across the country, Health Minister J P Nadda told Lok Sabha on Friday.

He said during Question Hour that government is taking initiative to digitize the entire blood bank network and improve the system.

"It is a good suggestion. We will consider it," he said, when asked about the possibility of taking action for setting up a system where people can check online the availability of required blood groups in blood banks.

Nadda said the government has taken steps for expanding the infrastructure in blood banks across the country for the benefit of common people.

The Minister said India is one of the 51 countries in the world which was recognized by the World Health Organization for safe and quality bloods available in its blood banks.

Nadda said following complaints of irregularities, actions have been taken against a number of blood banks in Odisha, Tamil Nadu and Uttar Pradesh.

The minister said functioning of blood bank is monitored by respective state governments through office of Drug Controller through annual inspections and surprise visits to take cognizance of fulfilling regulatory requirements.

For general quality improvement and augmentation of facilities in blood banks and encouragement of voluntary donation, a body 'National Blood Transfusion Council' has been formed as per the Supreme Court decision in 1996.

Recently, the Council has constituted a 'National Blood Transfusion Services Core Coordination Committee' chaired by the Director General of Health Services to review functioning of blood banks in the country. This committee is required to meet quarterly to review the state of blood transfusion services in the country.